In a thoughtful essay that addresses the occasionally conflicting goals of privacy, personal safety, and setting an example for younger LGBT viewers, Cooper tells Sullivan: “It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something—something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true. . . The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”